Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The Silverado HD exterior is now more visually distinguished from the Silverado 1500 with the redesign. Aside from its roof shared with the light-duty Silverado, all other visible elements are unique to the work-focused HD truck. The standard engine is a 401-hp, 6.6-liter V8 with a six-speed transmission. A 445-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with a 10-speed transmission is also available. The new truck is 10 inches longer than the previous one, which translates to more legroom. GM claims that the new HD, when properly equipped, can tow up to 35,500 pounds. Available safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. Updates for 2021 include more trims that are available with FCW, AEB, BSW, and rear cross traffic warning.

The HD Silverado and its twin the GMC Sierra HD are designed for heavy towing and hauling. The 6.0-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel are both mated to a six-speed automatic. The latter works well, and employs a heavy-duty Allison-made transmission. There is also a natural-gas version of the 6.0-liter V8. The LTZ trim has a luxurious cabin. If you don't plan to go off-road, the Z71 suspension is superfluous -- it tends to compromise ride comfort. The HD pickups are the better choice for commercial snow-plowing duties. Available safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and front and rear park assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with the infotainment system.

These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Silverado 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work and a 3/4-ton capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 and a huge 8.1-liter, 340-hp V8. The 2007 redesign brought a new 6.0-liter V8 in addition to the older 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel. The six-speed Allison transmission is very smooth.

These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Silverado 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work and a 3/4-ton capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 and a huge 8.1-liter, 340-hp V8. The 2007 redesign brought a new 6.0-liter V8 in addition to the older 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel. The six-speed Allison transmission is very smooth.

These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Silverado 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work and a 1-ton capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 and a huge 8.1-liter, 340-hp V8.